Umrah is a minor and optional pilgrimage that any valid Muslim who is financially able to perform can undertake to receive the blessings and favours of Allah Almighty.

Pilgrims who wish to fulfill this religious calling must first obtain an Umrah visa, one of the requirements for entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Here is everything you need to know about the Umrah visa: its requirements, the costs involved and how to apply. You will need Umrah packages 2023 from Uk to travel in budget-friendly ways.

Do I require a visa to perform Umrah?

Unless you are a national of Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, you must first apply for an Umrah visa to begin your mini-pilgrimage. Citizens of these countries can use their identity cards to enter Saudi Arabia. You should check our umrah packages 2023 from UK for all the essential details.

What is an Umrah visa?

An Umrah visa is an official document intended to facilitate the boarding of Muslims who wish to go to Mecca and Medina for the minor pilgrimage known as  Umrah. According to the latest developments, The validity period of the Umrah visa has been extended from 1 month to 3 months.

Umrah visa granted its Holders are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia to perform for a limited time Umrah rituals, including visiting the Kaaba, performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and Sa'i (walking between  Safa and Marwa hills). To obtain an Umrah visa, an individual must submit an application through a licensed travel agent. Proof of  Muslim identity, such as a passport and birth certificate, as well as proof of ability. Enough finances to meet their needs in Saudi Arabia. Umrah Packages 2023 from Uk is your best choice to make.

Visa requirements for Umrah

Documents required  for an Umrah visa are as follows:

1. An original Umrah visa application form duly filled. You can get this form by sending a large envelope addressed to your nearest Saudi consulate. However, it is recommended to use A certified travel agent will make the process go smoothly.
2. A recent passport-sized colour photo with a white background.
3. The applicant's entire face must be clearly visible and facing the camera. Tilted or tilted views will not be accepted.
4. Passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of application, a confirmed, non-refundable airline ticket. Departure from Saudi Arabia must occur within two weeks of entry.
5. Must present a valid residence permit if the applicant is not a citizen of the country to which they are applying.
6. Must have a  certificate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis
7.  Vaccination certificates must be issued at least ten days before entry and not more than three years old.  
8. Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia must carry vaccination certificates.

Note:

A COVID-19 vaccination certificate is required to enter Saudi Arabia, but this certificate is not part of the Umrah visa requirements and Umrah packages 2023 from Uk requirements.

Umrah visa application online

Saudi Arabian authorities have launched an electronic service that allows Umrah applicants to obtain  Umrah visas within 24 hours. Umrah seekers residing in countries around the world can now register directly through the Maqam platform.

After receiving the application reference number, applicants can log into Visit our national visa platform to fill out and print their visa. The validity period of the Umrah visa has also been extended from one month to three months. The new regulations also allow the movement of pilgrims freely within Saudi Arabia without any restrictions.

Additionally, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,  pilgrims can also get an e-visa for Umrah. This initiative comes with improving the Quality of Umrah services to achieve  Saudi Vision 2030 goals. You can apply for an e-visa on the Nusuk platform.

Additionally, Umrah applicants can also seek assistance from an authorized travel agent through Umrah packages 2023 from Uk in their respective country to obtain an Umrah visa.

Is there an alternative visa for Umrah?

Yes, those who want to perform Umrah can now opt to use different types of Saudi visas for their pilgrimage. However,  Umrah visas and  Saudi e-visas remain the main choices for pilgrims, with validity periods of 90 days and one year, respectively. Below is an overview of the various Saudi visa alternatives relevant to Umrah.

Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa/E-Visa for Umrah

The Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa is essentially an e-visa for Umrah that includes travel and Umrah-related activities (outside the Hajj season).

The requirements for e-visa for Umrah  are as follows:

1. A completed Umrah visa application form  can be completed online

valid passport

1. a recent passport photo
2. a valid email address
3. debit or credit card

Please note that the electronic Umrah visa is only applicable to pilgrims residing in designated countries.

Please note that visitors wishing to perform Umrah through Umrah packages 2023 from Uk from countries other than those currently eligible must apply for a visa from the Kingdom embassy in their respective country.

Once the Hajj season ends, you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa. Has the following benefits: Extension of stay, multiple entry permits, freedom to choose Umrah hotels, etc.

Personal visit visa

According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi nationals can now invite their friends to the Kingdom to perform Umrah using an "individual visitor visa."

The advantages of an individual visa are as follows:

1. Apply for multiple guests at the same time
2. Enter Saudi Arabia once or multiple times
3. Can be issued for one or more trips
4. Perform Umrah and visit the Prophet's Mosque
5. Visit religious sites and historical monuments
6. Sightseeing trips to all  regions and cities
7.  of Saudi Arabia
8.  A single-entry individual visa to Saudi Arabia is valid for 90 days, and the visitor should note that she can stay for 90 days.

Saudi Arabia transit visa

According to a recent announcement, pilgrims now have the opportunity to complete Umrah through Umrah packages 2023 from Toronto by applying for various Saudi visas, including the Saudi transit visa. To obtain comprehensive information about the application process and other related details.

Family visit visa

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently announced that pilgrims who are Saudi nationals or have relatives living abroad can obtain family visit visas for Umrah. To obtain a visa,  relatives residing in Saudi Arabia must apply through the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visa holder must then make an Umrah appointment using the Nusuk or Tawakalna service before arriving at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Umrah visa on arrival

Pilgrims from some countries can also apply for a visa upon arrival for Umrah. Countries eligible for this visa include the United States, the United Kingdom, many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan,  South Korea, Kazakhstan, Brunei and China. This visa allows pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia through seaports, air or land for a validity period of 90 days. Umrah visa-on-arrival applications can be processed through the official visa platform.

 Visa fees for Umrah  2023

Umrah visas are free. However, fees may apply for processing and other Umrah-related services. It is reported that these fees can range from $200 to $300.

The following fees apply for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa:

1. The tourist e-visa costs 535 SAR (142 USD) and includes full medical insurance during your stay
2. tourist visa cost on arrival is 480 SAR (127 USD)
3. Rules to be followed during Umrah

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced regulations stating that Umrah pilgrims through Umrah packages 2023 from Uk have three hours to complete their pilgrimage activities.

Pilgrims are also required to leave the mosque premises after their entry permit expires, and they are advised not to bring luggage to the site when entering the services. In a notable development,  Saudi Arabian authorities have lifted the age limit for Umrah, allowing Muslims over 65 years old to participate in the pilgrimage. Additionally, female pilgrims were granted freedom to travel to the Kingdom without a male guardian.